The term "certified" in the phrase "Certified Farmers' Markets" means produce is brought straight from the farm to the market. Only California-grown produce may be certified. Although the program exempts the producer from standard containers and produce size requirements, quality requirements are still required.
The intent of the Certified Farmers' Market program is to ensure that the agricultural products sold to the public are truly grown by the producer. How? Calaveras County agricultural inspectors visit participating local producers' growing sites and certify that their crops are indeed Calaveras County-grown. Other county agriculture departments provide the same service statewide, ensuring that producers from outside of our county really grow what they’re selling.
At the CFM, our inspectors review each producer's Certified Producer Certificate (CPC) for accuracy. Our inspectors are careful to check that the produce being sold is in line with quality, seasonality, and feasibility as a crop grown in Calaveras County. The CPC is the most important regulatory tool we have at a CFM; especially with growers from all over California selling at our local farmer's markets. CPCs are so important that they’re posted prominently for the public to view as well.
While at the CFM, our inspectors also verify organic produce by examining organic registration documents issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).